UK workers say tablets will replace laptops in the office within 10 years

Thursday, September 3rd 2015by Ellen Branagh

More than half of UK workers think tablets will replace laptops in the workplace within 10 years, according to new research by EE.

The operator said that a survey of 2,000 UK workers had revealed that 52% made the claim, while 36% said tablets would replace laptops even sooner.

Almost a third (31%) said laptop usage in the workplace is declining, while 24% said they previously used laptops for work but have already moved to tablets.

EE said that despite most tablet tariff plans lasting two years, its research revealed that 30% of tablet owners have had their device for more than three years.

It used the research as a backdrop for the launch of a 36-month tablet contract aimed solely at small businesses.

The plan is said to be more cost-effective for businesses, saving subscribers around 25% a month in comparison to the 24-month plan.

Mike Tomlinson, director of small business at EE, said: “Our research clearly shows that businesses are mobilising their workforces, and that tablets are rapidly becoming the primary device of choice.”

He cited sailing holiday company Sunsail, which is using ‘ruggedised’ 4G tablets from EE to improve the way it runs its day-to-day processes.

The company has 30 yachts in the UK and just over a dozen staff based in Hampshire and is replacing paper forms with digital forms on the tablets for things like feedback and signing up to future holidays, as well as using digitised systems for more efficient inventory and safety check processes.

'Sustainability'

Sunsail director Simon Boulding said: “Since introducing tablets into the business, we’ve seen a 60% increase in customer engagement and we predict we will save over £10,000 per year on labour and direct costs – directly benefitting our bottom line.

“At Sunsail we constantly strive to increase efficiency and sustainability, and EE has been an invaluable partner in our journey.”

Earlier this year EE was named the top-performing operator by mobile analytics company Rootmetrics.